Two men are currently missing following a Christmas Day swim at Budleigh Salterton beach on the southern coast of the United Kingdom. The incident occurred when a group faced treacherous water conditions, prompting a call to authorities at 10:25 a.m. on December 25, 2023. Devon and Cornwall Police reported that while several individuals were safely rescued and evaluated by paramedics, two men, aged in their 40s and 60s, have yet to be found.
Search efforts were conducted throughout the day, but as darkness fell, police suspended operations. “Our thoughts remain firmly with the families and friends of the two men who are currently missing and to all who may have witnessed and been impacted by the incident,” stated Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar.
Challenging Weather Conditions
The Met Office had issued warnings about hazardous weather conditions leading up to Christmas Day, including strong winds. According to reports, the area faced “strong and gusty east to northeasterly winds” with gusts reaching 55-65 mph. These conditions contributed to the difficult swimming environment, which led to some official and unofficial swims being canceled.
Detective Superintendent Costar emphasized the importance of safety, urging individuals to reconsider plans for swimming in the sea, particularly on Boxing Day. “While there are no official warnings in place for tomorrow, we urge anyone with plans to go swimming in the sea on Boxing Day not to,” she advised.
Local authorities and emergency services continue to express concern over the potential risks associated with swimming in adverse weather conditions. The community remains hopeful for the safe return of the two missing men, and local police are committed to providing support to their families during this challenging time.
